Along with LTE introduction, 3GPP also standardized Single Radio Voice Call Continuity (SRVCC) in Release 8 specifications to provide seamless continuity when an UE handovers from LTE coverage (E-UTRAN) to UMTS/GSM coverage (UTRAN/GERAN).
AT&T has launched its LTE service in Boulder, Colo.; Hartford and New Haven, Conn.; Boise, Idaho; Bowling Green and Lexington, Ky.; Harrisburg and Lancaster, Pa.; Providence, R.I.; and Ogden-Clearfield, Utah. With this expansion, AT&T 4G LTE is now live in 135 markets.
Tele2 has tested voice over LTE (VoLTE) in the live Swedish Tele2 LTE network. During the tests, Operator found much better voice experience in the IP based LTE network compared to 2G and 3G networks.
O2 (Telefónica UK) has selected Nokia Siemens Networks to prepare its LTE network across London and the South East of England. The UK operator is anticipating a rapid launch of 4G following Ofcom’s spectrum auctions scheduled for early 2013.
U.S. carrier Verizon Wireless has opened LTE network in 29 new markets, including Selma, Ala., Clarksburg, W. Va., and Port Angeles, Wash., bringing the total of U.S. markets covered to 470.
Uk regulator Ofcom has announced the bidders in the forthcoming 4G mobile spectrum auction. Bidders will be competing to acquire spectrum in two separate bands – 800 MHz and 2.6 GHz to roll out 4G LTE mobile broadband services across the UK. Ofcom accepted applications to take part in the 4G auction on December 11 earlier this month.
Indian telecom operator Infotel, a subsidiary of Reliance Group, has licensed SPIRIT DSP Mobile Video Engine. Reliance intends to invest $10 billion in its LTE network and has selected SPIRIT's software products for voice and video calls over LTE.
Sprint's 4G LTE network is now available in six new areas. Beginning today, Sprint's LTE service is available in Indianapolis/Carmel, Ind.; Santa Rosa/Petaluma, Calif.; Vallejo/Fairfield, Calif.; Southern Puerto Rico (including Ponce, Coamo and Guayama); York/Hanover, Pa.; and Franklin County, Pa..
ZTE helped China Mobile Hong Kong (CMHK) to launch the commercial converged TD-LTE / FDD LTE network in Hong Kong. Ericsson was also a solution provider on the new China Mobile Hong Kong network.
Sprint has announced an agreement to buy approximate 50% stake in Clearwire it does not currently own for $2.97 per share, equating to a total payment to Clearwire shareholders, other than Sprint, of $2.2 billion. Clearwire’s spectrum, when combined with Sprint’s, will provide Sprint with an enhanced spectrum portfolio that will strengthen its position in U.S.
Estonian mobile service provider EMT plans to open LTE network to smartphones as well in January 2013. Operator has been already offering LTE services to modems and routers users since last two years.
Brazilian operator Claro has launched LTE network in four Brazilian cities Recife, Campos do Jordao, Buzios and Parati. Earlier this year in August, operator had started LTE pilot in three cities Campos do Jordao, Buzios and Parati.
US carrier New Core Wireless, in partnership with select rural wireless operators, has selected Ericsson to supply and implement its 4G/LTE network. Under the terms of the agreement, Ericsson will supply New Core Wireless its Evolved Packet Core LTE solution, along with its LTE radio network to New Core Wireless’ partners.
Malaysia's communications service provider Maxis Berhad is ready to launch 4G LTE service following the allocation of the 2600 MHz spectrum band for 4G LTE by Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) on 5 December 2012.
UK regulator Ofcom today started 4G Auction Process by taking the application from the potential bidders along with an initial deposit of £100,000. All applications will be reviewed by Ofcom to check that the applicants are qualified to take part in the auction.